Female Genital Mutilation Research Paper

NUR 471University of PhoenixFemale genital mutilation, also referred to as female circumcision, has become a controversial issue within the medical, legal and women and childrens activists rights groups within the last few years. Exodus of refugees from African countries in which female genital mutilation is currently practiced to the West has created vulnerable populations within the United States in regards to the health concerns that surround female genital mutilation. Using Orems nursing model as a guide, this paper will describe this vulnerable population, the health problem and propose interventions.

Female genital mutilation cuts or removes the tissues around the vagina that give women pleasurable sexual feelings. This procedure is
The women may have the mentioned health problems of fistulas and incontinence which creates unpleasant odors. Culture, physical, and emotional boundaries may also interfere in the lives of these women. The culture affects the social lives of the women if the women choose to follow the culture in the America. Western physicians are more prone to perform cesarean sections to deliver babies than to cause trauma to the perineum. American physicians also may hesitate or refuse to re-infibulate after the delivery of a vaginal birth which can cause problems within the home life and social group of the woman. Physical boundaries in regards to sexual health are a social problem that a woman who has been infibulated may encounter. Intercourse may be painful or nearly impossible. The risk of transmitting HIV is higher among this group of women due to the amount of scar tissue and lack of elasticity (McNamara, 2000). A woman finding refuge from a foreign country may find that sexual companionship in the Untied States is not easily found. Emotionally, an American infibulated woman may feel isolated. Differences may be especially sensitive if the girl is of high school age, at a time in life where body image is important, and during activities that may require undressing in public such as showing after gym. Depending on how the FGM occurred, emotional trauma may evolve in the form of anxiety, depression,
For some, any change may mean that the caregiver is taking away a right or a culture aspect. By listening and being an advocate for the culture, the women may decide to listen to a different view point on FGM. Trust between the caregiver and the client and community is an issue that would have to be established. Alternative celebrations of puberty and organizing groups of women to design a social event for that recognition can be suggested to take place of the FGM.

The goal to remove FGM globally is ideal in the mind of most western culture, however, the fact remains that much education is still needed. With the help of international organizations, national groups, and education within local communities, the vulnerable women can be saved from FGM and the procedure can be eradicated one community at a time.

References:Heitman, R. (2000, April 10). Female genital mutilation. Retrieved January 10, 2005, http://www.members.tripod.comMcNamara, R. (2000). Female genital health and the risk of HIV transmission. Retrieved January 9, 2005, http://www.undp.org/hiv/publications/issues/englishRAINBO. (2000). Female genital mutilation. Retrieved January 9, 2005, http://www.wgf.orgWorld Health Organization (1996, August). Female genital mutilation: Information pack. Retrieved January 9, 2005, http://www.who.int/docstoreV-Day. (2005). Violence: Female genital mutilation. Retrieved January 9, 2005,